Taipei men and South Korea women win at Chennai Sevens

Wednesday, 24 February 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Taipei Men’s team took a step closer towards qualifying for the Asian Sevens Series 2016 in the Men’s segment when they won the first leg of the Asian Sevens Development tournament in Chennai yesterday. While the South Korean women too stamped their class at Chennai, they will need the final decision on Sri Lankan game which could take place in a neutral venue to decide the participating team this year in the mega Asian sevens.

Taipei defeated the Thailand 36/21 in the Cup final to take pole position in the race to decide which team will join in the Asian Sevens Series. Second leg for the Men’s will take place in UAE in one week’s time. Highest aggregate points emerging as the sole qualifier for the three-legged Asian Sevens Series which will comprise top sides like Japan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and South Korea.

Taipei booked their final berth defeating Philippines 31/12 in the semi-final while Thailand beat the UAE 22/10. Philippines finished third overcoming UAE 38/21 in the third place playoff.

The five-team women’s competition in Chennai was won by South Korea who defeated Guam 24/19 in extra time in a thrilling Cup final. Asia Rugby Executive Committee will meet to find a solution on how to decide which women’s team will qualify for the Asia Rugby Women’s Sevens Series taking into account Sri Lanka’s absence from the Chennai tournament. According to reliable sources, South Korea and Sri Lanka will lock horns in a neutral grounds in Thailand to decide the Asian Sevens representing team.